Reviews

Possibly the worst... anything that I've seen.

You know how when you pass a huge accident on the road you can't help but look? Well, at least in that case something interesting has happened. This more like passing a cactus and staring at it until it does something.

I gave it a '1' for story, because there's no "0". That sounds harsh, but there's actually no plot. There are times you may think there's one, but it's a trick. This series is so random that I almost always had to go back and check that I didn't skip an episode because the current one never really had a connection to any of the past episodes. There are so many random things thrown into this that it's bewildering. There's even an entire new character with apparently nefarious intent (judging by the ominous music cues whenever he appears) thrown into the very last episode that is totally unconnected with anything else and you have no idea (and never find out) what he wants or intends. That happens a lot. This really feels like there was a pile of 30 BL scripts on a desk and someone accidentally knocked them into a shredder and this is what they came up with by randomly taping scraps together. That sounds exaggerated, but it's not.

Let me give you an example: It's hinted that one of the characters has done something wrong. Barely hinted. Then at the end of an episode, everyone's phones start dinging - they all glance at their phones, then turn to stare at the character. And that's it. We never find out what the text said, or what the character in question did, nor does this have any meaningful effect on the story.

Another example: Milk and Pun suddenly have a kid. He's 5 years old as there has been a time jump. There are scenes of Pun being a cute dad. Then the mother shows up and says - "Thanks guys, I'm talking him back." I guess she realized he's old enough to vacuum her house now or something. To be fair, Pun is depressed, but as is standard for a BL, a damp towel wipedown cures him of that.

I slogged through this because the main character, Milk, is so cute that puppies are goblin sharks in comparison (don't google that before bedtime). And Dr. Pun looks extremely good when he steps out of the shower. And I hoped they would get together in some beautiful and romantic way. In the end it seemed like neither of them had anything better to do.

This series is so dreary that when their relationship is formalized everyone is sitting on one side of a table in what I would have thought was a conscious imitation of The Last Supper, but it can't be because there's a story behind the Last Supper and that would mean that whoever wrote this is aware of the idea of a story.

There are BLs where there is no kissing. That's OK in many cases, because they're set in high school and the characters have never dated or kissed anyone before. This series ends with the characters in their 30s, and Milk still acts like the creature from Alien is unhinging its jaw next to him whenever he's in danger of being kissed by Pun. There is a 5-year time jump, during which time they've been togther - and living together, sleeping in the same bed, and they still have never kissed, let alone had sex. Even when Pun proposes marriage, all he gets is a grunt and a peck on the cheek. The lack of intimacy in this is so severe that I don't know what else to call it but homophobia. They don't even directly refer to relationships - it's easy to miss because everyone speaks of them in oblique terms. They could be talking about working together, accidentally bumping into each other in an elevator, running over someone with their car, or being in an LTR - it's hard to tell.

This is full of people pontificating about life and happiness with the profundity of a greeting card you pick up at the supermarket because you forgot your nephew's birthday. There are very, very long monologues about this at random times when it has no relevance to anything else that's going on.

This diretor/screenwriter also did Love Sick 2 and Friend Forever, and after those two valiant attempts has finally succeeded in making the most boring and miserable series possible.

The technical qualities of this are OK, but not ever exceptional. There are a few funny mistakes, like a big red 'X' taped to a bench to indicate where an actor should sit. (To be fair, he sat on it, so it worked.)

Acting: 5. I don't think anyone's actually acting, so it's not any more terrible than people standing around talking, but nobody every really does anything involving more skill than people standing around talking. Son Ravisut makes an impression as Milk, and Petch Jakkaphet makes an impression with his exposed glistening torso, but both of those are shallow qualities. There are occassional glimpses of ability in Son, but I can't be sure given the material. And other than cuteness, there's not really much to recommend him. If you refuse to engage in m/m intimacy, then don't accept a role in a BL.

Music: 1. There are three snippets of stock music the editor downloaded. One is that standard bassoon melody for light moments, then there is something bland for normal stuff, and an ominous track for when something dark is happening. Dark is too strong - more like a tiny diminution of light like when a moth is flying a meter or so from a lamp. That's about as much as the tone of the series ever changes.

Rewatch value: 2 - there is one scene I've rewatched. Dr. Pun takes a shower and stands around for a minute or so glistening and wearing only a towel around his waist.

Overall: 2.5 - This is truly terrible and a complete waste of time. It's absolutely incomprehensible that this could ever have been made.

Read More

Brilliant. Genius. Beautiful. Heart-wrenching. Heart warming. Unforgettable. These are the words that are spinning in my head as I write this after just finishing the show. The potential was evident from the first episode and everyone delivered on the expectations that became exponentially high, even till the last minute of the show. There were moments when I wasn't sure how the story would move froward from that point or how they were thinking of executing a plot, but the writers wove the story so beautifully, everything just unfolds itself smoothly, it just wraps you up in a cocoon you never want to come out of. There was such warmth in the show, it's unbelievable.

If you had to summarize the story of this show, it'd be pretty simple, could be done in a few lines. To have given a lifelong worth of depth to those few lines, to have brought alive the events in the life of the characters, to have made us feel what what the characters were going through with such beautiful narratives, the writers need to be commended. The plots could have easily gone awry in so many places, but EVERY plot, every character, every loose end - have all been taken care of with remarkable finesse. There are zero complaints or unsatisfied worms lingering in my head, none.

Where do I begin with the actors? Where? I've been blown away, drowned, burned, buried, shocked - you name it - by every actor in this wonderful show. Ji Sung left me begging for more of him, even when he was present in 90% of the scenes, I just wanted more. "I wish that the time would stop, and that I could be with you forever", that's all that I felt every time he appeared. This guy can ACT, and he did a bloody brilliant job in this show. To have portrayed 7 personalities, is commendable. To have played 7 personalities with such absolute perfection, is downright worth worshiping him for. There wasn't a moment went he faltered in his performances, never a flaw, never a single crack in his portrayal. Be it the grumpy, violent, protective, dashing and charming Shin Se Gi; the middle-aged, goofy, bomb-making, beer-loving, accented Perry Park; the quite, calm, suicidal teen-genius Ahn Yo Sub; the foul-mouthed, oppa-crazy, troublemaker twin sister of Ahn Yo Sub, Ahn Yo Na; and the less frequently appearing 7-year old Nana, or Mysterious Mr. X; Ji Sung has lived and brought to life each of them. I didn't know it was even possible to be able to do such a thing! I had to literally pause the episodes and look at his face to believe in the changes. His eyes changed, how does one do that. Just with his expressions, his gaze, his very demeanor it was obvious as to which personality it was. He wasn't just Cha Do Hyun behaving like someone else, he WAS someone else. And it was one of the best performances by any actor that I've seen. My opinion of Ji Sung has reached the Sun.

The lead lady Hwng Jung Eum came as a surprise to me. I've ever seen her works before and I'm glad I began with this show. She handled every scene so well. She was goofy and loud and cute and serious and mature and terrified and depressed - and every emotion was conveyed very nicely. I'm looking forward to seeing her other works. Park Seo Joon was a delight to watch, that guy made me laugh and cry with equal flare. His character was simply brilliant, very heart touching. It would be unfair to the others if I focused on a few actors more than the other but these three deserved the mentions, the rest of the cast did a pretty great job as well. They're the ones who were able to make the script, story and direction work.

I don't know what I had in mind when I began the show, what it was that I had expected it would turn out to be, but whatever it was, it was nothing compared to what I actually got. The stories of each personality, their traits, the personality itself grows on you so much that it's hard to let them go. I found myself hoping for them to come out sometimes. I grew to love every facet, every broken piece of Cha Do Hyun. I was sobbing harder with every farewell. It felt as if you're losing a person rather than a personality. The story of each character in this show is going to be in my heart for a long, long time.

I'm really glad I picked up this show, it is one of the best I have seen. The level of brilliance is more than worth watching. I'm already looking forward to rewatching it in the near future. I don't think I've had enough of the characters yet.

The kind of show that Kill Me Heal Me is, you don't need any reasons to watch it, all you have to do it watch the first episode for a couple of minutes and you'll be irrevocably hooked, just as I was. It's everything you want in a drama of this genre. Everything and more. Don't miss out on this one, you'll be passing on a masterpiece.

Read More

I feel Koizora is that type of movie that can leave you in a short state of depression after finishing. I remember finishing this movie and I literally sat still for a few minutes taking in what I just saw while tears just ran down my face.

This story is supposedly based on a true story and can I just say this is a complete tear jerker. My friends kept pushing me into watching this and even though it's sad, I am so glad I decided to watch it.

This movie is just an amazing story about ones first love. It teases you with so much happiness and then just stabs you in the heart with sadness. I think it hurts a little more inside when you realize this based off true events.

I loved the cast. I really liked Miura and Yui together. There were those awkward acting scenes but I've grown used to them after watching so many dramas. But their chemistry was pretty good. I liked the supporting cast as well. Their characters were shown just enough and all blended well together.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone and if you are still iffy about watching this, just watch it..with a box of tissues of course

Read More

Compelling, grounded in substance, and gratifyingly true-to-life. With a wonderful basic premise

"Missing: The Other Side" seems a bit like a KDrama with a magic hat. The story has the similar effect as the theme of the production: it sort of cavorts in a veiled intermediate world. It could simply be missed out. If you are looking for something in the field of fantasy, the KDrama does not impose itself. It's not fantastic or psychic enough. If you're looking for a thriller, you're more likely to scroll past it. It's not a psychological thriller. It's also not a classic crime thriller. So it seems ... And yet. "Missing: The Other Side" is extremely well done and definitely recommendable. I wouldn´t call the KDrama fantasy or mystery, but rather solid crime genre, in which actually time and space become relative... If only I had known earlier...

The KDrama is like an insider tip - although it´s success is not a secret. On the contrary. A second season will come out soon. The story is compelling, grounded in substance, and gratifyingly true-to-life beyond the basic premise. "Missing: The Other Side" doesn't entice viewers with a cast full of dazzling names, but with a fascinating, extraordinary production. A class of its own. The concept thrives on straight simplicity.

There is the radiant simplicity of the brilliant underlying idea: a tribute to the missing. There are actually too many missing people in South Korea - children and women in particular. In more than half of the cases, the missing person is at some point found dead - most of the time several years later. The idea of ​​the KDrama particularly honors those victims by creating a kind of dignified in-between-world for the time during investigation, how long it may ever take. Only then, as their corpse is found, they will part in peace. In the meantime, from the minute the missing person dies until the moment the corpse is found, those souls linger in a beautiful and (mainly) peaceful village among other fellows with similar history. There is a certain charm to respectfully giving such unsolved cases some faces, individual stories, soul, hope & heart - some friendly, reminding space. Even though many missing people´s cases get closed and quite a few may remain unsolved, the KDrama respectfully opens a door to connecting to them.

Granted, the living and the dead share the stage equally. Yet there are no mouldering, half-decayed or slightly moldy ghosts buzzing around. If you like, the idea of ​​"Hotel del Luna" is varied in a less exalted ambience, a little more down-to-earth and less spooky. However, if "Hotel del Luna" was cast with dazzling superstars, "Missing: The Other Side" consistently maintains the simplicity of its concept. Very few KFans will end up following in the footsteps of their 'stars' in this KDrama, they aren't so well known enough outside of South Korea for that. Nevertheless, they all do a splendid job.

Finding the corpses of the missing however requires the living and their down-to-earth investigative work. The knowledge of the deceased can be used. Eventually, there is a catch: it requires living people who happen to be able to SEE and communicate with the dead. The worlds 'here' and 'in between' do overlap in the village of Duon, but only for those with the special gift of perception. A loose team sort of gets thrown together by fate and begins to work more or less jointly to solve some cases that are apparently related in some way. Everyone has to carry some personal luggage, in which missing people play a significant role. One is a crook, his colleague is a hacker, another protagonist works as a detective, another is a widower and father who, even after many years, has not given up the search for his missing daughter.

If you can/want to accept the basic premise of that in-between world, then "Missing: The Other Side" offers an all-round gripping crime thriller. Without any ribbons, but with warm heart. Not highly polished, but atmospheric and impressive. The protagonists are quite three dimensional - no superheroes, but rather ordinary, authentic, tangible. It could be anyone. Lastly, this story would especially happen in South Korea, because in this KDrama the ever so characteristic orphanages and Jaebeol once again got leading roles within the dramaturgical structure.

In case you are not sure, if you should watch, here my advice: Don´t miss "Missing: The Other Side".

Read More

Music Lovers

Just finished the ending of this series on YouTube and I feel the urge to write a review. I’ve mixed feelings, because I’ve been hooked by every episode, but felt some irritation as well.

Synopsis
All her life Yang Zhen Zhen (Janice Wu) wants to be a pop artist. She works as a jack-of-all-trades at a major music agency, in the after hours she puts all her energy in talent shows. She never wins, but she decides to aid her former contest opponent Yu Zi Rui (Niu Jun Feng) to become a star one day.
Zhen Zhen is friendly, optimistic, fighting for her beliefs. That’s why her boss entrusts her with the difficult task of being a personal assistant to c-pop artist Zheng Bai Xu (Huang Zitao). Bai Xu is the big star of his agency, but he’s pursued by media scandals due to his unpredictability and unrestrained actions. He gives Zhen Zhen a lot of head aches and anxiety. They bicker non-stop, but are in fact kindred spirits. They both like to live and fight for their music. Bai Xu wants to become his own singer-songwriter but his agency won’t let him, earning money from his career as it is. Question is: will they succeed in living their life the way they want to?

The Good
Don’t expect just another c-pop vehicle for ZTao, this drama has some good side stories, f.e. the relationship with his rich father and siblings, and there's a nice flow in the story telling.
If you’re a fan of Janice Wu, you won’t be disappointed. She really shines. Although her character should have clothing that is plain and simple, her styling is perfect, every episode another outfit. Also ZTao doesn’t look bad when he leaves the swimming pool, and together they have a lot of cute, sweet moments. The supporting cast delivers a good job as well, especially the ideal-son-in-law Niu Jun Feng who plays a darker sort of character for a change.

The Bad
It is almost symptomatic in Chinese series, but there it is…this drama fails to deliver a sound closure. Really, how difficult can it be to portray a struggling artist who becomes a succes in the end, in his own right, without the help of his rich father, or agency? I won’t give any spoilers, you’ll have to see this for yourself.
Another minor thing, the styling of the actors is great, but it pains me to see what they did to ZTao. His lipstick is thicker, pinker than anyone. Combined with his dramatic hair-do and eyeliner he looks more like a drag queen to me. The only time I could believe Zhen Zhen would fall in love with him, was at the pool and on the beach where he was filmed without the heavy makeup.
Thanks to Janice the chemistry with ZTao was on point, but it took a long time before they kissed, and when they did, it was an anti climax for me. Aigoo, I was waiting for a lingering kiss full of intense emotion, not a touch of the lips left in "pause" mode.

Verdict
Still I recommend this c-drama to all romcom/music/boss-secretary lovers. Leave your brain on the shelf and enjoy this classic story about the arrogant male and his female assistant who become of one mind completing each other.

Read More

Korea once again delivered.

The poster captivated me into watching this and I couldn’t find the right words to describe the series as a whole – it was not perfect but far from bad. I do not know why but it feels like something is missing throughout watching. I wasn't that hooked up, unlike the other ones that I've watched. One thing is for sure, Korea served us one great plot.

For the story, I do not have anything much to say. It was cute and somehow fluffy. Once again, I like to point how most Korean BLs including this one stays away from a school setting. I love how each series produced by Korea explores or tackles a unique plotline. Far from cliches and third parties whatsoever. And given that Korea or most Koreans are conservative, I loved how they didn’t incorporate the idea of homophobia throughout the series, it felt like they were in a world without judgement. The story is cohesive.

I like how they incorporated dancing into the story. The character’s lives were completely opposite but they found the right spot to meet in the middle and change each other. The pacing was quite good given that the length of the whole series is just like a movie. They didn’t put unnecessary scenes as fillers to make it longer and they maximized the time they have to deliver a considerably good series.

The actors fit their roles, not to mention their visuals. But in terms of skills, they were able to portray their character nicely, I am satisfied with how they executed emotional scenes, it didn’t feel awkward at all. It seemed natural.

I do not have any comments about cinematography, camera angles, OSTs, and other technical aspects, they were okay to me.

Overall, this is a good watch if you do not have anything much to do. Korea once again delivered a good one. The title really fits the story because they do make each other’s heart dance.

Read More

I love it. This is the kind of drama that I usually enjoy while having my meals, no heavy problems, just teenagers and their youth.

I have read 50% of the novel and I can say that the production of this drama did a great job to make the story alive! There are some minor changes, but that did not affect the storyline. There are some scenes that I thought maybe can be done better because some of them were just kind of out of detail. I wish that they put more focus on the characters' personalities since I know the story can be developed more from that, but that's okay, I laughed a lot watching the FL and ML interact. The chemistry between the FL and ML is so good. Their acting is very natural, like real siblings. I have watched some of Miaoyi's dramas, and I also know Jun as an Idol, I know he was a child actor. This drama honestly surprised me because their acting is so good! I just know that they were actually having fun doing this project together.

I just hoped they put more songs into the drama, but maybe because it is a rom-com, the OST is more fun songs? Idk.

Read More

A Masterpiece of 2021

You are my hero is a well-written C-drama complemented with amazing casts. It is such a sweet and heart-warming drama. It was not boring at all. It has no unnecessary love triangles at all because it has 3 couples. I first started to watch this drama for Bai Jing Ting. I knew and become his fan in variety shows. I didn't really watch his dramas or movies before. I'm so impressed with his acting talents. He is like someone who is good at everything he does.

For the main characters, Bai Jing Ting's character, Xing Ke Lei is the captain in special police team. I'm sure everyone will fall in love with Xing Ke Lei and also Bai Jing Ting in this drama. He is so dreamy, handsome and charismatic captain who is also shy when it comes to girls.
Sandra Ma's character, Mi Ka is a doctor who dreams to become a surgeon. She is mentally strong and independent woman with a kind soul.
I love how the writers know and plan all romantic and career elements in the first place because everything was on point. This drama shows two very different career perspectives which are special police and doctor. Each job has its own responsibility and hardships.
The casts are EXCEPTIONAL. The chemistry between Bai Jing Ting and Sandra Ma in this drama is so amazing. I knew they already appeared in some variety shows together before. So, their chemistry is off the charts.
Second couple and third couple are also given the same setting of the story, but the important ones had their time to rightfully shine and have their own stories and character developments. Casting Team did a great job in choosing the actors.
Directing, music and setting are also very good in this drama. OST are wonderful too. Even the ending was perfect.
I haven't gushed over C-drama in a while. You are my hero is definitely going to be one of my favorites. Honestly this drama gave me beautiful feels.

Read More

This is a drama that does not fit simply into one category. I'd say Padam Padam is equal parts love story, tearjerker, crime drama, and supernatural tale. It combines all four genres seamlessly, and every moment of it felt genuine. I think much of the credit should go to the outstanding cast. I also liked that the director made some interesting storytelling choices that kept me engaged. This drama may not be fast paced, but it's originality stopped me from ever being bored. It was also consistently good. Not one of the 20 episodes felt like filler/unnecessary to me... and I think that's rare.

I can't think of one bad actor in this cast. Jung Woo Sung, as Yang Kang Chil, was intense, and very moving. Han Ji Min, as cool/controlled Jung Ji Nah, was his perfect counterpart. Their relationship had all the familiar elements (opposites attracting, destined path crossings, and family disapproval...) but without simply relying on clichés. My only small criticism is that they had some of the worst onscreen kisses I've ever seen, though the rest of their romantic moments more than make up for it. It could be argued that their awkwardness fit the story, but I just found it distracting. Their romance was portrayed as much deeper than a few cute moments, so I do have to give them a lot of credit for that.

Of the exceptional supporting cast, I have 3 favorites. Na Moon Hee, as the mother, was a really great character, and expertly played. Choi Tae Joon, as the son, was the only character that made me actually cry. Kim Bum, as the charming yet odd Lee Gook Soo, was my absolute favorite. His character's journey was so awesomely unexpected, and he did an amazing job with it.

As I mentioned earlier, this is a tearjerker, but there are plenty of funny, sweet, intriguing, and inspiring moments too. Some aspects of the story are left open ended, but that didn't bother me at all. I thought the end episode was beautifully done, and gave me all the closure I needed. I can't agree that this drama is perfect, but It is certainly better than most, and not to be missed.

Read More

I've read some people calling this drama "life-altering". Perhaps it is so. A million stars falling from the sky is a journey into the darkest depth of the human heart. What you see there is not at all pretty: it's disquieting, clouded and unsettling.

I consider Eriko Kitagawa one of the best drama scriptwriters. She has the ability to pick up an ordinary event and make it into an unpredictable twist, all with a subtle calm pace which makes you restless. This plot is made of little hints: a word, a glance, a brief scene. There's no abundance of words, each line carries its meaning into the silence that follows.
And the actors get inside their roles brilliantly, creating around them an aura of mystery which makes you grope in the dark as to who did what and why.

The cinematography is scanty and sober, totally devoid of gloss. With the exception of the very effective close-up shots of the characters and the use of the light, it doesn't rely on beauty. Oh, the actors are beautiful all right. Kimura Takuya and Fukatsu Eri in particular are wonderfully intense, together as well as individually and play their part so well I was left speechless more than once.
The same scantiness applies to the music. Used with economy and without much variety, it manages to create the right expectations at exactly the right moment.

When all this is said and done, I am left with only one question: did I personally like this drama? The answer is: no. Did I fall in love with any of the characters? No. They intrigued me, fascinated me even, but I didn't like any of them, and felt somehow totally detached, despite the high-voltage chemistry between the leads.
I marathoned through the drama in 2 days, which is proof of its being a very well built thriller. Once started, you want to know. However, because I felt neither identification, nor true compassion or love for these people, it's as if I had read a very interesting and brilliantly written essay on human nature but was happy to see it end. The ending came to me as the only possible solution: a destination this journey was destined to land to.

Therefore, I recommend this drama to only a few people. Forget brightness, sunny love, suspend judgment and value this for its intrinsic quality and you will appreciate it. If you're not ready for a trip down dark lane, I suggest you stay well away from it.
I am certainly not going to repeat the experience.

Read More

The breakthrough Japanese drama of 2018 Spring Season. This drama's creators pushed the envelope of LGBT shows by tackling the BL genre the way they would a hetero romantic comedy. You will see the characters go through the same problems most of us experience in love: age gap, divorce, unrequited love, secret affairs, exes, break ups, marriage, you name it! Not only did they show sensitivity toward the LGBT issue, they made sure that a common individual will be able to empathize with the characters. This is most likely the reason why this drama was the constant top trending topic in different social networking sites, particularly Twitter and Line, during its run.What I love the most about this drama though is the choice of actors. Most of the BL fans will agree when I say that a lot of BL productions feature newcomers or less known actors/performers. So it was quite a shock to me when the first trailer came out with Hayashi Kento replacing Motoki Ochiai and new characters were added in the mix like Otsuka Nene, Kojima Kazuya of Unjash, Mashima Hidekazu and Uchida Rio. If you are a Japanese entertainment fan like me, you surely know who these actors and actresses are. Don't even get me started with the main actor Tanaka Kei and the resident "Ossan" Yoshida Kotaro. I mean, this drama has a star-studded cast! I will forever be grateful that the producers got people who not only look the part but can, without question, act. They totally did not waste a beautiful and funny storyline.

Read More

Story: This series is a legend by itself. There are many movies and dramas out there on this classic story of the 'Three Kingdoms' but none had truly captured the entire novel, page by page, as this 2010 version. With 95 episodes, it is one of the lengthiest series I'd followed but also the most satisfying to complete. Admittedly, I watched this in 2010 when it was airing and has recently re-watched it to remind myself parts of the Three Kingdoms' story. This drama is like reading the novel itself. Each character is depicted accurately - from their behavior, aspirations, thoughts, speech patterns to looks. The director certainly selected the perfect cast to act in this series. Many would say 95 episodes is plenty but in actual fact, there are little side stories in the novel that were excluded. Otherwise, this would turn into a 100+ episode series.

Acting/Cast: If you want to know what is professional, solid, honest-to-goodness acting, watch this. The actors and actresses will make you feel as if you are watching history unfold before your screen. They will put all those idol actors to complete shame! Everything was to the dot - from settings, costumes, etiquette to speech...they all accurately depicted the correct era in Chinese history.

Music: If you are expecting great OSTs, you will be disappointed. But if you are expecting music that accurately reflects the music of the era in the 'Three Kingdoms', you will be delighted. During those days, ppl compose music to be sung as a poem with accompaniments from traditional Chinese musical instruments. The words sung are very meaningful. Even the OST at the start of each episode adequately summed the entire novel in eloquent words. This is a story about war, the end of a dynasty, ambitious men, heroism, political plots and personal struggles set in an era known as one of the bloodiest in Chinese history.

Rewatch value: I set the re-watch value as low because of the 95 episodes. However, most ppl I know who had watched this series would usually re-watch the parts they like; eg: Diaochan's plot to bring down Dong Zhuo through Lu Bu, the appearance of Zhuge Liang (Kongming), the battle of the Red Cliff, Liu Bei's marriage to Sun XiaoMei and the ensuing struggle to establish his own hegemony at the south, Zhuge Liang vs. Zhou Yu, Zhuge Liang vs. Sima Yi etc. It also helps that wikipedia breaks down the series' episode based on the book chapters it covers - making selective re-watching easier.

Overall: A perfect series with perfect actors and actresses. A must watch for lovers of chinese history and literature. The only complain I have is the length but then again, it cannot be helped considering how this series follows the novel closely.

Read More

I was bored one day and started making a list of dramas to watch on summer and well, Two Weeks definitely made it as soon as I read it had action (yes, I'm an action lover). Anyways, one day, after being emotionally ruined by You're All Surrounded, to clear my mind and ease myself I decided to start watching Two Weeks. Jesus Christ! What took me so long to actually start watching this drama? I should have started it when I found it! Such an amazing drama, I totally recommend it to you all. The story, God, the story. The way it starts and develops oh God, everything about this drama it's amazing; the story, the cast, the acting, E V E R Y T H I N G! Don't think about it and give it a try! So worth watching & I'm totally thinking of RE-WATCHING IT! Oh God, the characters and their own background story is amazing, totally loved it. Amazing and heart warming, that's all I have to say about this drama. If you're an action lover, don't think twice about watching this one and just watch it!

Read More

This drama is an absolute MASTERPIECE, this is the only word that comes to my mind when I think about it, everything about this drama is magnificent it was perfectly produced and written it's simply amazing and personally I would not be able to find the slightest flaw, of course there were things I found a little bit weird especially near the end however it's nothing big so I stand firm on my opinion : this drama is a pure Gem. I'm really glad I finally watched it, it had been on my plan to watch list for 2 years but I was kinda scared about the number of episodes and I have to say that everything happens so quickly that without realizing it I was already in the end of the drama. Why there aren't more episodes ???????

I'll try to explain why Legend of Concubines Zhen Huan is so special to me and why eventually it left me speechless but I know that won't be easy job, still I want to write about this drama cause I want to always remember all the things I experienced while watching it and remember how it was a real inspiration for me. First I need to say that it instantly became one of my ultimate favorite dramas, it was totally addicting, interesting, entertaining, and even more informative than any other Chinese historical dramas I've watched about Palace (palace intrigues and palace etiquette) especially about concubine ranks (from Daying to Huanghou), how they have to behave and follow the proper etiquette when meeting the Emperor, Empress, Empress Dowager or concubines with higher rank and even also how concubine's parents have to salute and address them very strict conduct. it's like I've learn lot of things only with that drama and made me want to read a lot more about Qing Dynasty. This drama impressed me on so many levels that I hardly have words to express the beauty of this piece as everything is simply perfect from the writting of characters and story to the costumes which are so exquisite, make up, sceneries, music, poetry … In my opinion the costumes and make up in this drama are the best I've seen, all the concubines look so graceful and sublime in all these different dresses with their make up and headpiece which make them so unique and different from each other, but of course for me the Queen of the Palace is Zhen Huan, she's so dazzling and the most beautiful woman the emperor ever has in his harem and somehow I totally understand why he fell for her, why he wanted to always be in her company and asked a lot about her opinion for private matters because of her superior education and great cleverness.

Now I'll write about Zhen Huan and her story just if you plan to watch this drama I don't really know if what's coming can be considered as a spoil so just in case do not read the next lines, only about Zhen Huan's part though), so it deals with her story and how  from an innocent and pure hearted girl she becomes one of the most powerful and scary women in the harem. What I liked about her when she entered the palace is despite that she was very young she was not careless but very cautious, in the very beginning we can see that she does not want to gain the emperor's favor to stay away from all those schemes/plot and I have to say that it was her most peaceful moments, living in harmony with her two dearest friends. But of course it did not turn like she wanted it to be and after all the sad things that happened to her what she then did was not because she wanted fame and power or favor from the emperor but only to survive and protect the ones that are dear to her, parents and sister, her love, her children, her best friend. Even if people would say she became heartless and greedy I can't really agree with them and I can't hate Zhen Huan either, on the contrary I think she was so smart, strong and daring, all what a woman in the harem needs if she wants to live and survive. After finishing this drama I realise how I love Zhen Huan, she automatically became my favorite female character because she always manages to remain unscathed no matter what's happening to her not showing her true feelings to her opponent, I admire her so much for that, I also love her imposing character, her braveness, her heart and her scary face as well.
I've always liked Sun Li and found her incredibly talented but in this drama she showed another facet of her acting, in my opinion she delivered her most outstanding performance In LOCZH. A Stunning Actress indeed <3.

In this drama I generally like Zhen Huan's relationship with all other characters, I'll talk about some of them :

-Mei Zhuang her sister of heart, the only woman in the palace with whom she could be fully herself and tell all of her inner thoughts, I like so much their bonding and their conversations it was always so genuine and so adorable how they care for each other and help the other when necessary and I can't even count the number of time they tried to help each other in dire situation, her best friend and her best confidant in this awful palace.

-Jing Fei one of Zhen Huan's Jie Jie in the Palace who was always here for her, I love seeing them together and despite their age gap I found their friendship so beautiful, as much as Jing Fei did a lot for Zhen Huan, Zhen Huan always helped her in return and gave her one of her most precious thing in life, one of the most wonderful present ever.

-Duan Fei, I love so much those two, I don't really know why Duan Fei decided to go near Zhen Huan and approached her (maybe I'll understand more when I rewatch the drama) but for sure they have one of the most incredible friendship in this palace, I also love the way they always salute each other, and only both of them do that in the Palace making them look so cool and unique. Duan Fei is such a respectful and dignified woman and I'm glad I could see more of her in the second part of the drama.

-Hua Fei, ahaha what an incredible and hateful relationship they have those two, such a threatening woman Hua Fei is but Zhen Huan never showed her feelings towards her I mean she never ever showed her weakness and so it was so hard for Hua Fei to attack her and destroy Zhen Huan however she's for me one of the greatest villain I've seen in drama, Jiang Xin did a really great job in portraying the cruel and scheming Hua Fei, SUPERB !

-4th Prince, he is cute and very well educated I'm glad Zhen Huan paid attention to him and decided to take care of him and keeping him company.

-Ning Pin, this woman is so unpredictable and dangerous and we love her like that (at least I do), she never ever showed some attention about all those scheming in the palace nor for high position or favoritism cause after all she was like lost in an empty island , a place she was not meant to be and maybe I think that befriending Zhen Huan made her life a bit more positive and interesting, love love so much those two together and all the things she did for ZH . Definitely a character I will never forget since she made such a great impression on me when I first saw her.

Generally I liked all of the different characters even those I haven't cited above (Guo Jun Wang, Zhen Huan's maids especially Liu Zu and Jin Xi, Doctor Wen...)
Frankly speaking there's not a character I truly hated, I rather sympathize with some of them nevertheless there's one exception and that is the emperor whom I just couldn't like and totally hated all what he did to all the concubines, how he treated them like merchandises, shows favoritism to some of them and doesn't even look at the older ones arousing jealousy of each other. I particularly disliked that he couldn't trust them and believe his favorite women and not look for evidence and punish them whe he thought what he had before his eye were crucial proof. I won't say more but yeah that's pretty much what I think.

The Music also was so beautiful, another one of the aspect of the drama I truly enjoy and that's true that at first I did not really notice it I would even say that I did not like it either especially the op and end songs which I found pretty boring but honestly I realised after some time that they fitted perfectly with the tone of the drama and I even started to like them and enjoying listening to those songs that we can hear in some sad and memorable scenes in the drama. I also love so much the instrumentals.

Personally I enjoyed every second of this drama and I know the beginning is a little bit slow I would say the first 15 episodes but it was necessary for the comprehension of the story and the main characters. After that everything was so addicting and all I wanted was to watch the next eps and follow Zhen Huan's and her friend's adventures, how she will evolve throughout the drama and what would she do. I'll definitely rewatch this drama for sure, I'm not scared to rewatch the entire drama as it is one of those dramas we know no matter how much we rewatch them we won't be bored and at least maybe it'll give me the opportunity to understand more the characters and their difficulties.
without any doubt I would recommend it to everyone and especially for those who aren't afraid to watch a long drama and wants to learn more about palace etiquette and how it worked at that time.

This is one of those rare drama I knew I would love and yes it totally lived up to my expectation and even more than that since I loved it much much more than I expected.

Read More